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In the ever-evolving landscape of student engagement, a simple solution emerged from the creative minds within our community. Last year, a game design student expressed their desire to partake in open life drawing sessions but faced the challenge of not being aware of when these sessions occurred.
Above image: Students drawing Model Robin Fanner
Despite the diligent efforts of our staff, who resorted to traditional methods such as posters and email notifications, the message wasn’t reaching everyone effectively. Enter Suzie Lammers, an illustration tutor on our digital animation with illustration degree and the mastermind behind a transformative idea.
Suzie (illustration tutor on our digital animation with illustration degree and life drawing lead) proposed the creation of a Discord server to streamline communication about the life drawing sessions. At the beginning of the academic year, she took the initiative to promote the server through a multi-faceted approach — emails, posters, word of mouth, and engagement with student partners. The goal was simple: encourage students to join the life drawing server and stay informed about the scheduled sessions.
Above images: Drawings by Student Emily Marshall
However, what unfolded surpassed the initial objective. The Discord server became a dynamic hub where more than just dates and times were shared. An unexpected and delightful metamorphosis occurred as students began to share their life drawing sketches, providing constructive feedback to one another. The contagious enthusiasm extended beyond the student body, capturing the attention of other staff members who, in no time, found themselves fervently uploading their work and engaging in critiques.
Above images: Drawings by Student Natasha Holland
The Discord server, initially conceived as a practical tool, had evolved into a genuine Community with a capital C. Beyond serving its original purpose, it became a space where creativity flourished, transcending the boundaries of life drawing. Digital paintings, models, and digital sculpts became integral parts of this thriving digital realm.
Above Image: Drawings by Tutor Dave Boydell
In the end, what started as a solution to a logistical challenge transformed into an organic, vibrant community where the spirit of creativity and collaboration prevailed. The little Discord server became a testament to the power of interconnectedness within our academic family.
Now, most universities would cite this activity as “good practice”, but we would cite it “Excellent Practice”.
